My first impression was that this device was really small (about 1/3rd the size of a regular computer mouse) and that my average sized hands would not be able to get comfortable with it. Well I was wrong for my hand fits nicely around it and I am comfortable using it hours at a time. There was obviously some thought was put into the design as it feels sturdy yet still light. Another nice touch is the on/off switch at the bottom to save your AAA batteries. It is also not a power hog for I’ve used mine for about a month about 3-4 hours a day and I’m still using the batteries that came with it. It also came with a carrying bag that protects the mouse from banging around in my briefcase or backpack.

The second thing I noticed was how easy it was to install the software on my computer (Win XP) and getting it to work on my PDA (Ipaq 4150). I do recommend however that you read the directions, for some of the installation options are not obvious. After everything is said and done you get a on screen pointer that works like your stylus but has a scroll button.

This mouse works excellent with my IR keyboard from Belkin, and seems to be a natural fit when using a keyboard to input data. I had always found it cumbersome to a use a stylus while I was typing.

I would not recommend this mouse for people who use their PDA primarily for contacts and scheduling. I would however highly recommend this mouse for people who type in word with a wireless keyboard, or go to coffee shops and surf the web while doing work. The scroll button is an excellent feature to read long PDF documents and to surf web pages.

It has been a long time since I have been this satisfied with a product. That being said there are some quirks. The first is that having BlueTooth run on your PDA will cut down on its battery life. However, I still get mine to run for about 2.5-3 hours with the backlight on before I need to plug it into a wall. Secondly, the program to get the mouse to run does take up some space on the PDA. Finally, when you restart the PDA it takes some time to “rediscover” the mouse. Approximately 5-10 seconds.

I’d highly recommend this mouse to anyone who uses a keyboard to input information into their PDA. I have currently written about 1/3rd of my Masters Thesis on my PDA at a coffee shop at night using this mouse and a wireless keyboard.

See larger image iGo MSBTUE Stowaway Bluetooth Mouse (Electronics) List Price: $79.99 USD New From: $39.99 In Stock Used from: $34.99 In Stock Release date June 1, 2007.

Product Features

• Works with smartphones/PDAs, desktops and notebooks
• Support for Pocket Word, Excel, Messaging and other applications
• Small but ergonomic styling for maximum comfort
• Powered by 2 AAA batteries

Technical Details

• Brand Name: Think Outside
• Model: MSBTUE
• Hardware Platform: PC, Mac
• Input Device: Mouse
• Form Factor: External
• Connectivity Technology: Wireless
• Movement Detection: Optical
• Minimum system requirements: Microsoft Pocket PC, Apple MacOS X, Microsoft Windows
• Width: 2.2 inches
• Depth: 3.7 inches
• Height: 1 inches
• Weight: 2.6 Ounces
• Warranty: 1 year warranty

What’s in the Box?

• Stowaway travel mouse
• 2 AAA alkaline batteries (batteries last several weeks when used 3 to 4 hours per day)
• Carrying case
• CD with Pocket PC drivers (Uses Windows driver and HID, no driver needed)
• Start-up Guide

The connection is very robust. I read about some problems with the mouse going to sleep and having a slight lag when waking up but I did not notice that at all. The buttons are responsive and provide good feedback. I’m sure the wired connection will come in handy when the batteries run out and there aren’t any handy.

The only fault I could see with this mouse is that the forward and back buttons are a little too recessed and not quite easy to get to. They’re still usable though and I may just need to get used to their placement.

I love this mouse! The price is on the high side but I think it’s well worth it.

See larger image Razer Orochi Bluetooth Notebook Gaming Mouse (Electronics) List Price: $79.99 USD New From: $59.99 In Stock

Product Features

• Gaming optimized Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity
• Dual Mode Wired/Wireless Functionality
• Razer Synapse Onboard Memory
• 4000 dpi Razer Precision 3G Laser sensor
• Detachable three foot, lightweight, braided cord

Technical Details

• Brand Name: Razer
• Model: RZ01-00300100-R3U1
• Hardware Platform: PC, Mac
• Input Device: Mouse
• Form Factor: External
• Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Wired
• Movement Detection: Laser
• Minimum system requirements: Apple MacOS X 10.4 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista (32/64 bits), Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit Edition
• Color Name: Black
• Width: 2.7 inches
• Depth: 3.9 inches
• Height: 1.4 inches

Bluetooth to the rescue! Bluetooth allows short-range wireless connections.

The Logitech V470 is one of the few Bluetooth laser mice for laptops available. As far as I am concerned, it is the best.

The form factor is just right for my large hands. It is not as small as the otherwise capable Stowaway Bluetooth mouse – and not as large as the Logitech desktop mouse. The V470 is about 60% of the size of regular mouse.

The V470 runs on 2 AAA batteries, better I think than the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries found in some other mice. You can get AAA batteries anywhere, which is not the case with an AC outlet and the several hours needed to recharge a lithium-ion battery. Logitech doesn’t provide estimates of battery life, but from experience with other devices, I suspect it is substantial. There is an on-off switch provided.

The V470 is laser equipped and is capable of working on a wide variety of services without stuttering or skipping. I have tried it on laminate countertops and wooden tabletops without problems. Of course, on a laser mousepad, performance is superb. Travellers and beach bums will appreciate the fact that the V470 works very well when just traversed on a pants clad leg. (As any traveller can attest, such capability can be invaluable at times.)

The Logitech mouse software works well. Just be sure you have the latest version.

Setup on a contemporary Bluetooth equipped computer could not be simpler. Set up a new Bluetooth device on the computer. Turn on the mouse, click the connect button and you should have a connection within a few seconds. No password entry is required. The mouse works fine with the default Windows settings. The Logitech software adds a few features.

The V470 comes with a cheap fabric carrying pouch. For the money, I think they could have provided a molded hard case.

Overall, a terrific little mouse for mobile use. Everyone who carries a computer with them needs this device.

See larger image Logitech V470 Bluetooth Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Blue) (Electronics) List Price: $49.99 USD New From: $32.20 In Stock Used from: $21.99 In Stock

Product Features

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Laser precision
• 3-year warranty
• Side-to-Side scrolling plus zoom

Technical Details

• Device Type: Wireless Mouse
• Connection Type: Bluetooth
• Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
• Tracking Method: Laser
• Scrolling Capability: Yes
• Vertical Scroll: Yes

They also remembered that one advantage to using a wireless connection is it gives the user an option to place the handheld to any convenient location within range. The cradle however requires a distressing effort of bending and twisting to remove, which makes the user fear breaking the cradle.  Additionally, this board is designed for use by experienced touch typists, and does not require users to re-calibrate the fingers to type on significantly smaller keys as does the Freedom Keyboard.

Finally, despite its slightly Rube Goldberg appearance, this keyboard is solid, with a refreshing amount of metal in it’s construction. It will take some reasonable punishment – the HP iPaq and Freedom keyboards are cheap plastic children’s toys by comparison.

Pros

• Near full-size key spacing. Easy to for a touch typist to use accurately with no loss of speed or learning a new keyboard feel
• Unfolds and Folds easily
• Unfolds and locks securely – can be used in a lap without risk of board assuming the characteristic “V” shape of bent HP iPaq and Freedom keyboards.
• Folds to small size
• Removable cradle
• Easy to use software
• Simple power management: powers down upon closing; powers up when opened.
• Protective case included.

Cons

• No number/symbol row. Need to use awkward alt-key combinations. Not appropriate for extended numeric data entry or spreadsheets.
• Cradle difficult to remove
• Protective case cheap vinyl
• Does not sit totally flat on a flat surface.

Were I able, I would dock the Stowaway ½ star on two points: The lack of a number/symbol row of keys and it’s instability on a flat desk.

The absence of a number/symbol row reduces the width of the folded board by only ¾”. Given that I could replace my laptop with a handheld and folding keyboard if I had reliable means to enter numbers onto a spreadsheet, I would gladly accept a Stowaway model which is 4.25″ wide when folded, instead of the current 3.5″.
In all other ways, iGo built this board for professional use. They forgot however, those of us who crunch numbers on Excel, requiring use of cumbersome alt-key combinations (which cannot be locked) for numeric entry.

Although very stable when sitting on a desk, the unfolded board sits on a thin base 5.75″ long, with two cantilevered “wings” extending 2.25″ in the air past the sides of the base.
Thus, if both hands are not simultaneously on the keyboard to balance it, a keypress on either the extreme left or right side will make the board imitate a catapult. A hunt-and-peck, one or two fingered typist will find this frustrating, though a touch typist accustomed to both hands on the home keys will have little, if any, problem.

Compared to the HP iPaq Folding Bluetooth Keyboard or the Freedom Bluetooth Keyboard — arguably the only other choices for mobile Bluetooth keyboards — this Stowaway is the only one worth the money you spend for it. Remarkably, it has the lowest retail price of the three on Amazon.

At the time of this writing, the iGo Stowaway Keyboard is the clear winner in design, construction, and functionality over all other mobile Bluetooth keyboards. There are simply no other choices for the mobile professional.

Technical Details

• Foldable, full-size QWERTY keyboard wirelessly connects to Bluetooth-enabled smartphones and PDAs
• Weighs less than 6 ounces; folds to 5.5 x 3.9 x 0.5 inches
• User-programmable shortcut and command keys for fast access to other applications
• Download drivers automatically from your smartphone/PDA–no PC needed
• Includes carrying case and detachable PDA/phone stand

See larger image iGo Stowaway Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard for PDAs and Handhelds (Wireless Phone Accessory) List Price: $149.99 USD New From: $204.99 In Stock Used from: $130.00 In Stock

Pros:

• No transceiver necessary, freeing up a USB port
• Ergonomic design for either hand
• Back button
• Comfortable, responsive scroll wheel
• On/Off button
• Low battery indicator
• Reliable connection
• Nice solid feel
• Looks nice
• No driver or software install required (or offered)
• Compatible with Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7/Mac OS X
• Supported by Microsoft’s great hardware warranty for 3 years

Cons:

• Somewhat short battery life
• Doesn’t automatically turn off to save battery
• AAA batteries difficult to remove when replacing
• Connection doesn’t always reconnect when resuming from sleep mode

Next to the scroll wheel, a back button is a mouse feature I cannot live without. Many mobile mice do not include a back button so it was easy to narrow down my choices. Guess how many mobile bluetooth mice have a back button? Try 1. The Microsoft Notebook Mouse 5000 was the only one I could find. That made my choice even easier. I love not having to fuss with a transceiver. Even though the VX Nano uses a micro-USB receiver, it still took up 1 of only 3 USB ports on my laptop.

I like the way the mouse feels and looks. It also comes with a nice padded case with a velcro enclosure. The scroll wheel is nice and comfortable to use and doesn’t feel flimsy like some tend to do. Battery life is just okay. It’s rated at 3+ months but I have seen real-world results of closer to 2 months. I use it for probably 2-3 hours/day 7 days a week and I never turn it off. When I’m connected, I stay connected without any drops.

I view the lack of driver or software for required on the 5000 as a welcome feature. I never install Microsoft’s driver software or Logitech’s SetPoint software for my mice and keyboards. Sometimes I lose some functionality, mostly in programmable buttons and keys, but I’ve had enough driver-related issues on my system to cause me to avoid installing them.

See larger image Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 Mac/Windows (Electronics) List Price: $49.99 USD New From: $21.45 In Stock Used from: $16.99 In Stock

I have only a few very minor complaints. Instead of only offering an on/off button, adding an automatic sleep/off feature would greatly improve battery life. When you do have to replace the batteries, you’ll struggle with removing the batteries a bit because the little pulls that help you remove the batteries are undersized. I don’t have long enough fingernails to easily grab the pulls. Lastly, whenever my laptop goes to sleep, I have to cross my fingers that the bluetooth connection gets reestablished. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t. I have used the 5000 on my laptop with both Windows XP and Windows 7.

I thought that after a year, surely a new Microsoft, Logitech, or even Kensington bluetooth mouse would’ve been released that would take praise away from the 5000. Nope. This is still the best notebook bluetooth mouse on the market. The 3 year warranty isn’t as long as I would like, but Microsoft’s hardware warranty is easier to deal with than any other company’s I’ve experienced. Logitech’s support is great, but Microsoft’s is excellent. Confidently purchase this wonderful mouse and you will be satisfied with the outcome.